Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Battery Tech

Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH

The SABERS Transformative Battery Technology Portfolio combines unique materials and processes to achieve performance goals. (Image: NASA)

SABERS, as this portfolio of innovations is named, refers to Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety. Developed jointly at NASA’s Glenn, Langley and Ames Research Centers, SABERS includes several advanced material, manufacturing and computational design innovations that enable a new paradigm in battery performance. The primary target application is next-generation electric aviation propulsion systems, yet SABERS will benefit other applications, too.

The SABERS innovators developed novel lithium-sulfur designs, including sulfur-selenium on graphene cathodes, and lightweight bipolar plate stacking and packaging designs. SABERS is unique in several aspects: it deploys graphene-based manufacturing processes for the cathode and bipolar plates, and it uses a solid-state electrolyte in place of the liquid electrolyte found in other lithium-sulfur battery designs. The team has achieved energy densities over 500 W-hr/kg, and further improvements are expected. SABERS can meet the high-power requirements needed for aircraft take-off. SABERS is lightweight, safe, robust, and reliable. Furthermore, its manufacturing processes are scalable and environmentally friendly. Coin cell and pouch prototypes have been demonstrated to date.

Whether for large electric vehicle systems or small electronic devices, SABERS can potentially set new benchmarks in energy density and power, all while offering the utmost in safety and reliability. And importantly, the inventors intentionally designed environmentally friendly and sustainable materials and manufacturing methods into SABERS’ portfolio. SABERS can help address today and tomorrow’s needs for electrification and sustainability.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact NASA’s Licensing Concierge at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call at 202-358-7432 to initiate licensing discussions. For more information, visit here .